Solar energy in Cameroon brings far more than light, TV, and chilled drinks.

Imagine the sun setting, and after the last faint light of the day, the work is done—no light for reading or studying, no refrigerator for perishable food, hardly any way to charge a phone or a small device. The streets are dark, medical facilities cannot maintain reliable operations, and in the evening, people gather around a small lamp or a fire.

What is taken for granted by many people around the world—electricity at the flick of a switch—remains a daily scarcity in large parts of Cameroon. Consequently, opportunities for education, healthcare, economic development, and participation in modern life are limited. For those affected, this means restricted prospects, slowed growth, and often even more poverty.

Cameroon today stands at a critical point regarding its energy infrastructure. According to the most recent official statistics available, about 72% of the population had access to electricity in 2023. However, this distribution comes with significant inequality: in urban areas, the electrification rate is around 94%, while in rural regions, according to the World Bank, it is only about 25%.

Ambitious goal setting

The government of Cameroon has set ambitious goals: by 2030, the country aims to achieve universal access to electricity. A key component is the expansion of clean, renewable energy and the strengthening of the grid infrastructure. This includes projects such as the Nachtigall Hydropower Dam, which will significantly increase electricity generation and provide more reliable, greener power. At the same time, photovoltaic power plants with a total capacity of around 250 MW are planned to make the energy mix more sustainable. However, substantial investments are required to supply remote villages with grid electricity.

With the “Rural Electrification and Energy Access in Underserved Areas Project” (Perace), Cameroon is advancing rural electrification: the project aims to provide electricity to hundreds of communities across several regions, create new household connections, and maintain or expand existing grids.

This is where the work of SunErgy comes in, which has been part of EWIA since April. The company has been active for years in electrifying rural regions in Cameroon. SunErgy has installed solar mini-grids and currently operates eight solar power plants, providing electricity for the first time to twelve remote villages. These villages have received more than just light: schools, healthcare centers, and small businesses benefit, and cable television is also offered.

By expanding and modernizing already existing and fully funded photovoltaic systems and electrical installations in the four communities of Matouke, Kotto Nightingale, Kotto Mission, and Kotto Up, new households and small businesses are being connected and brought on as electricity consumers. The necessary capital is currently being raised through the “Village Electrification Cameroon” financing program.

Investment with Returns and Impact

What your investment in electricity supply achieves is far more than just light. It enables schools to open, stabilizes healthcare facilities, supports small businesses, improves overall quality of life, and strengthens regional development. Electricity is life-changing. Projects like those of SunErgy demonstrate that change is possible, especially when technological innovation, political will, and financial commitment come together. For Cameroon and its rural regions, the focus now is on accelerating these steps—so that not just individual villages, but all people, can benefit from modern energy access.